Page 125 - RSDG Year of 2023

Typhoon Wing, led by OC II(AC) Sqn, conducted Diamond 9 flypasts of RAF Lossiemouth, Kinloss Barracks, and Leuchars Station. Sadly, cometh the hour, poor weather precluded the flypast from going ahead. Therefore, it was reorganised for HM the King’s Birthday. RAF Lossiemouth Typhoon Wing provided the airborne “C” during the Flypast.
EX TERMINAL STRIKE (AUG 23)
Ex TERMINAL STRIKE was a two-week CAS Ex, based in northern Scotland, providing invaluable training for JTACs and Aircrew. II(AC) Sqn took the reins for 2023, working with JTACs from the UK, US Airforce, and Estonian Airforce. This was a brilliant addition to the Squadrons Op SHADER Work-up.
II(AC) Sqn also got the luxury to work with JTACs whilst dropping 5 live Paveway IV in Cape Wrath, Scotland.
OP CARSON (SEP - OCT 23)
A small team deployed to Poznan, Poland to showcase the flexibility, and readiness of UK Combat Air. 53 pers were deployed, which is a staggeringly small contingent for Typhoon standards. Despite the small group, 100% of flying tasks were achieved.
The Op included 1v1 combat vs Polish F16, Quick Reaction Alert training vs armed Italian F35A, intercepts vs Spanish Typhoon, and medium/low level training with the UK Sky Sabre.
Overall, it was a fantastic Op, bolstering working relations with a number of NATO allies.
OP SHADER (SEP 23 – JAN 24)
September 2023 was the beginning of the Squadrons four month deployment to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, to support Op SHADER. A smooth handover from 3(F) Squadron was quickly followed by a ramp up in activity courtesy of the Israeli conflict creating uncertainty within the Middle East. The Squadron continue their diligent work, and are prepared for whatever taskings they may receive over the coming months.
2023 has seen II(AC) Squadron at the forefront of UK, coalition and NATO operations and working at the vanguard of emerging tactical development. 2024 will maintain the pace, without doubt, but the Squadron looks forward to reacquainting itself with old Regimental friends and colleagues and to forging new links.
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